Justice Venkatachala sworn in as Lokayukta

By Our Special Correspondent

BANGALORE, JULY 2. Mr. Justice N.Venkatachala, retired judge of the Supreme Court, was today sworn in as the Lokayukta by the Governor, Ms. V.S.Rama Devi, at the Raj Bhavan.

The Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court, Mr. Justice P.V.Reddy, the Chief Minister, Mr. S.M.Krishna, the Chief Secretary, Ms. Teresa Bhattacharya, several ministers and government officials were present at the swearing-in ceremony.

Mr. Venkatachala has held out the promise of ensuring transparency in the functioning of the anti-corruption agency.

He also became the first of the four Lokayuktas to take the oath of office and secrecy in Kannada. The Governor also administered the oath in Kannada. The Lokayukta took the oath in the name of God.

Speaking at the Raj Bhavan after the swearing-in ceremony, the Chief Minister said that the Government would amend the Lokayukta Act to strengthen the organisation and give it more powers. The changes in the Act would also help ensure the speedy disposal of corruption cases.

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Section  : Southern States
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